Samsung Note 2 had been a much sought-after smart-phone for quite some time and even those who went for it on its launch in India about 3 years ago would still prefer to retain it. The gadget has Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) as its Operating System which operated quite well. Now with further improvement of the OS, and the coming out of higher versions like Kit-kat and Lollipop, many users of Note 2 now want to replace their OS with the latter. This write up is intended to help such individuals install Android 5.1 through CyanogenMod.

There are a few prerequisites for installing CyanogenMod Android 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM which one needs to keep in mind. It may be clarified that the installation can be made only on 2 GT-N7100 (Exynos chipset) 3G model only. Trying your hand on any other model may seriously damage your device. It is therefore advisable to check the model number by going through ‘Settings’ and then ‘About Phone’. Before attempting the installation, please ensure that the device is rooted and the internal memory is fully cleared off. It is advisable to first back up essential data elsewhere to avoid the unpleasantness of any data-loss. The other requirements are to (a) see if the USB drivers on the PC are installed and (b) device for the installation is fully charged.

As a first step, download CyanogenMod [Unofficial] Android v5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM and Google Apps to your PC. The next step would be to connect your device to the PC through the USB and paste the Android 5.1 Lollipop custom ROM zip file and the Google Apps .zip file in the SD card root of your device. Now shut down the device and disconnect it from the PC. The next step will be to go for performing the regular Recovery Mode sortie by pressing 'Volume (up)', 'Home' and 'Power' buttons. After you have been to the Recovery mode, clear the phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset' and clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'. Now go to main recovery screen and tap 'install zip from SD card'. Here tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM .zip file in SD card and complete the installation process. The same procedure has to be followed for installing Google Apps as well. Once the installations are complete, reboot the system and you will find that the up-gradation has taken place.

Author : Syed Zafar Ahmad

Designation:Executive EditorBio:A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.